PRACTICES

11.2 WALLS
A common approach to construct wood frame walls in Climate Zone 6, 7 and 8 is illustrated
in Figure 2.51. Note the use of plywood or OSB sheathing that is protected by a housewrap
(PINKWRAP Housewrap) under the continuous rigid insulation (FOAMULAR XPS
Insulation). One of key elements of this wall is the gap between the cladding and the
housewrap used to control hydrostatic pressure. The wall cavity insulation is a kraft-faced
fiberglass batt (PROPINK EcoTouch PINK FIBERGLAS Insulation or PROPINK L77
Loosefill Insulation). The kraft-facing is necessary for moisture control in these climate zones.
Note the 2x6 framing.

If 2x4 framing is used and the thickness of the continuous insulation (FOAMULAR XPS
Insulation) increased then an unfaced fiberglass batt (PROPINK EcoTouch PINK
FIBERGLAS Insulation or PROPINK L77 Loosefill Insulation) can be used (Figure 2.52).
If 2x6 framing is used the thickness of the continuous rigid insulation needs to be increased
further still (Figure 2.53). Note the use of a housewrap (PINKWRAP Housewrap) between
the continuous rigid insulation and the plywood or OSB sheathing.

Plywood and OSB sheathing can be omitted in regions where wind loads are low. Figure
2.54 and Figure 2.55 are analogous to Figure 2.52 and Figure 2.53 but without the structural
sheathing. In both of these wall assemblies taped and sealed with JointSealR, rigid insulation
(FOAMULAR XPS Insulation) is used to provide water control. Again note the gap between
the cladding and the sheathing to control hydrostatic pressure.
Climate Zones
6, 7 and 8
Wood or fiber cement siding

Furring or spacer strip

Exterior rigid insulation (FOAMULAR XPS) with

joints taped/sealed with JointSealR Foam Joint Tape

Building paper, housewrap or building wrap

(PINKWRAP Housewrap)

Plywood or OSB sheathing

Figure 2.51: 2x6 wood frame wall

Common wood frame wall
Unfaced cavity insulation
construction in Climate (PROPINK EcoTouch PINK FIBERGLAS
Zones 6, 7 and 8. Insulation or PROPINK L77 Loosefill Insulation)

Gypsum board

Latex paint

Vapor control layer

Control of Condensing
Surface Temperature
118 Assembly